“Whenever you’re ready,” I say, then press the On button to film.
The small woman, a nun in a traditional Orthodox black habit who has been talking to the girl in a quiet voice, looks at the camera. She straightens her habit, flashes a broad smile, and give me a nod, as if to say, “Okay, proceed.” Like Mother Teresa making a cameo. I laugh in spite of the context and the reason I’ve come back to this monastery in the dense Kostroma woods.
The young woman seated on a spare, sturdy chair before me is dressed in black jeans and a white blouse, ironed and crisp. Her hair, once long and light, is dark and cropped short. Behind her stands a marble-topped table, an altar, and a broad white wall covered with a large intricate tapestry decorated with icons, saints revered by the Russian faithful for centuries. She looks out of place in the frame, like a sleek modern figure painted into a baroque scene.
“How did you get here?” I ask. I measure my words and tone, like I would if I were trying to talk a woman down from the top ledge of a high-rise.
Her eyes seem to flash with light, but her face is hard, like pale stone. “I was tricked by people who considered me the trash of society. I was lied to by men and women who thought only of their own gain. Once, I thought I was free-”
“When was that?” I’m used to standing behind the lens, not asking the questions.
“When I met a priest, an Orthodox priest from my own country.” She pauses and looks off into the distance, as if paralyzed by the memory.
I let her think for a moment, then ask, “What happened?”
Still looking off into the distance, she says, “Instead of showing me freedom, this priest took me to hell.” Her slender hand, red and scarred, shakes as she pulls her arm to smooth her hair. The only sounds are the low hum of the camera and her breathing.
She closes her eyes, drinks in a deep breath, and then slowly pivots toward me, her steel blue eyes square with the lens.
“My name is Marina. Marina Smolchenko. And this is my story.”
So begins this month’s featured book club selection, Priceless, by Tom Davis. Priceless is the second release in a series that explores real-world issues through the eyes, and lens, of an international photojournalist. Stuart Daniels has found purpose in life. After suffering the fallout of a tragic assignment, Daniels rediscovered faith and hope after a chance encounter with an extraordinary African orphan. Now his photo work also carries a personal mission: to educate people on the devastating effects of AIDS around the world. But when Daniels receives his next assignment to Russia, he unwittingly finds himself a key player in rescuing young girls caught in the tragic sex-slave trade. Equal parts suspense and drama, Priceless is a provocative thriller that opens readers’ eyes to what’s happening in the world today.
You can read the complete first chapter here.
If your book club would like to discuss Priceless with Tom, click here.
As usual, we are giving away a number of prizes, including two pounds of Saints Coffee along with their signature mug, a Godiva chocolate gift basket, and a hand-made purse crafted by a young woman rescued from the sex trade. Each of those prizes will come with a copy of Priceless. All three winners will be chosen randomly from the comments on this post. Leave a comment and you’re entered to win. It’s that easy.
Tom Davis currently serves as CEO of Children’s HopeChest, a global orphan care ministry headquartered in Colorado Springs. A tireless advocate for fatherless children, Davis has spent most of his adult life calling U.S. believers to become the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to the 143 million orphans living around the world. Through those connections, thousands of orphans now have the bright and hopeful future–one that is filled with opportunities and the love of the one true Father. Davis speaks hundreds of times each year at churches and conferences, mobilizing the church to action on behalf of the poor. Davis also currently teaches courses as adjunct professor at George Fox University in Newberg, OR. When not traveling the globe, Davis resides in the mountains of Colorado in the small community of Palmer Lake. He and his wife Emily have seven children, including two adopted daughters from Russia.
About Ariel Lawhon
Ariel Lawhon is the co-founder of She Reads, novelist, blogger, and life-long reader. She lives in Texas with her husband and four young sons (aka The Wild Rumpus). Ariel believes that Story is the shortest distance to the human heart.
Wow, reading that excerpt from the beginning of the book I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat. Definitely something I want to read more of.
Sounds like a great book! Love the coffee, too!
I love to read and can’t wait to get my hands on this book
I have really enjoyed getting these updates on facebook. I’m looking forward to reading some of these books!
I would love to win a copy of the book! And chocolate, chocolate is always good!! Can’t wait to read it!
I love the book selections you have. This looks like a great book, but the kind that may take a little extra time to read because of the emotions it brings up. Thank you so much for your book selections.
WOW! This sounds like a great book!
I would love to read this book after reading the devotional the other day about this!
Sounds like a good read.
I’m super excited about this book, and I’m secretly planning how to sneak in some much needed quiet time to read it.
A book, chocolate and coffee to enjoy it with, sounds like a lovely time =)
I’m a avid reader, really looking forward to reading, “Priceless” and enjoying the gift basket!!!!
I have victomized sexually by one person or another all my life beginning with my own father, ending with my husband. I am not willing to take it anymore. I have deciede that I am God’s property and worth more than that.
So with that said, I am going through the beginning of a divorce and finding my way back to me. I think that this book could very well be a vital tool in my process.
Thank you for all you do!
Misty Morones
This seems so different from anything I have picked up before. Maybe it is time for me to broaden my horizons because I am intrigued with this story.
I would love to win this basket!!
Can’t wait to read it!!
Looking forward to reading the book! I’ve been looking for good Christian fiction authors and books to read.
Oh please pick me . I just REALLY want the book. You can give the rest to someone else. THANKS!
Sounds very interesting. I think I would enjoy this I love to read always looking for something. And winning something is always a blessing. Thanks.
The book sounds like it would have me on an emotional roller coaster: angry, sad, happy, pensive, etc. I think it would be a great read. The coffee and chocolate would be icing on the cake.
Sounds like a fantastic book! I love good fiction. When it has a message, all the better.
Would love to win this book! The coffee and chocolate would be an extra BLESSING! Thank you for the chance to win!!
This book sounds amazing!! Gorgeous prize package too:) thanks for the chance to win-
Wow, 3 of some of the best things in life! A good book, good coffee, and good chocolate!!
The story grabs you right from the beginning.
I would love to read this book and of course who doesnt want chocolate
I’m looking forward to reading this book and venturing out of the usual genres.
Can’t wait to read it! Thanks for your site. I am always looking for books that are clean and have a Christian message. Nothing worse than picking up a book that looks like it has an interesting story line and get right into foul language and smut! It is so unnecessary! I need to recommend your site to some reader friends/family.
I love to read and am always looking for new Christian authors.
I also love coffee and this looks like an awesome brand to try!
This sounds like a very interesting story line. Just wonder if that is a ministry I should be involed in.
This book sounds awesome! Well-written, contemporary, Christian fiction is always in great demand and judging from the excerpt, this book would be impossible to put down. I’ll be watching for it!
Wow! Sounds like a good book!
I wonder what part of my heart would be healed if I read this book. It looks to be very moving and deep. I too, enjoy good coffee, chocolate, and books!
This is the 1st time hearing of the author, Tom Davis. Looking forward to reading his books. Unfortunately, not the 1st time hearing about the existing, horrific slave-trade that goes on across the world. This book intrigues me & looks to be another catalyst for opening more eyes on the current injustices that take place of the slave-trade industry. May God move mightily through this book & author, giving hope to many & action to our faith.
I would love to win the book and of course the coffee and chocolate would be tasty too! It sounds like a good book to read and my bookworm daughter would probably enjoy it and the treats as well!
How have I missed this blog??? I just became a fan on Facebook. I’m always looking for new books to read. Thanks!!!
Thank you for the book recommendations! I’m excited to give this book a read!!
Would love to have this book ! And the coffee and chocolates would be nice too !
This is the first I have heard of this book club and am looking forward to reading this book.
Sounds like a great book!
Count me in (:
I have been hearing amazing things about this book. Cannot wait to read it.
I want to curl up (in air conditioned room) wih all of the above!
I love a good read and enjoy a hearty cuppa Joe every morning, so this sounds like the perfect contest for me. Thank you for this opportunity!
I’d love to discover the rest of this book! Sounds intriguing, and a great fictional look into a world that isn’t talked about enough.
WOW! This sounds like an awesome read! I am looking forward to it! Yeah!!!
Would love to win. Look forward to reading the book.
I can’t wait to read this! This topic is so relevant today…hopefully it raises more awareness and motivates Christians take action as well. Thanks for letting me know about it!
I can’t wait to read this! This topic is so relevant today…hopefully it raises more awareness and motivates Christians to take action as well. Thanks for letting me know about it!
Thanks for the opportunity to be further educated about Satans tactics to destroy, he is alive and well….. And to hear it from a christian perceptive not the worlds……